Story Contracting were commissioned by Network Rail to install a 137m length contiguous piled wall to stabilise the embankment supporting the Hull to Selby railway line.
Routine track monitoring had shown that the railway line running parallel to the Humber Estuary between North Ferriby and Hessle, East Yorkshire, was creeping towards the foreshore at a significant rate.
Story Contracting were commissioned by Network Rail to install a 137m length contiguous piled wall consisting of 184No. 610mm diameter, permanently cased piles to stabilise the embankment supporting the railway line.
These piles range between 17m to 18.5m in length, with a reinforced concrete pile cap and shear studs connecting it to existing piles. Square threaded connections with a single pass weld connect each casing tube on these piles, with seven welds in total.
This connection type has never been used on this scale, nor in this setting.
45,000
site hours worked
184
piles installed
The project involved the following main phases:
• Provide a solution to repair and prevent further erosion causing movement on the HUL1 railway line.
• Final design to satisfy strict EA conditions surrounding the Humber Estuary.
• Access methodology to be developed to reduce traffic in local North Ferriby village, and through the Riding School for Disabled.
• Construction methodology and solution to be developed around tight footpath / piling mat, proximity to foreshore, and proximity to railway.
• Safely installing 184 piles and 14 pile cap bays, maintaining social distancing and a safe work environment throughout.
• Reinstate the busy footpath forming part of the Yorkshire Wolds Way and TransPennine Trail.
The project team worked in close collaboration with the Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and North Ferriby Parish Council. Consent restrictions were agreed allowing the project to complete successfully within the permitted time window. This ensured the works had no adverse effect on over wintering birds and had minimal disruption to local residents using the footpath.
We held a number of public consultation evenings, where surrounding residents were able to voice any concerns, and for Story and Network Rail to discuss the methodology and reasons we were undertaking the works. We committed to replant any trees removed on site and redesigned the site compound to protect some silver birch trees with sentimental value to local residents.
Management of unforeseen change (including covid-19) was proactive, resulting in additional works not affecting original completion date.
The whole Story team should be proud of yourselves. The way in which the job has been undertaken is exemplary. The interface with the riding school, general public and track maintainer has been spot on.
Network Rail
The project involved regrading approximately 280 metres of the embankment to enhance structural stability and improve rail safety.